WVU Hoops Loses First Player to Transfer Portal

Freshman forward Evans Barning Jr. enters transfer after redshirting 2025-26 season

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:50pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the challenges of retaining young talent in the modern transfer portal era.The transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball rosters, as programs struggle to retain young, developmental players seeking immediate playing time.Morgantown Today

West Virginia University men's basketball has lost its first player to the transfer portal, as freshman forward Evans Barning Jr. has decided to leave the program after just one year in Morgantown. Barning, a 6-foot-7 product from Toronto, redshirted the 2025-26 season and did not see any game action for the Mountaineers.

Why it matters

Barning's departure is a blow to WVU's long-term roster development, as the coaching staff had high hopes for the young forward's potential. However, in the modern college basketball landscape, players who don't see a clear path to playing time often opt to transfer in search of more opportunities elsewhere.

The details

Barning, who was represented by agents Jared Shaughnessy and Gascoine Harrison, came to WVU with intriguing size and upside, but the Mountaineers' staff was unable to get him on the floor this past season as he redshirted. With the transfer portal making it easier for players to switch schools, Barning has decided to pursue options where he can see immediate playing time.

  • Barning redshirted the 2025-26 season and did not log any minutes for the Mountaineers.

The players

Evans Barning Jr.

A 6-foot-7 freshman forward from Toronto, Ontario who redshirted the 2025-26 season at West Virginia University.

Ross Hodge

The head coach of the West Virginia University men's basketball team, who is focused on building a roster that can win immediately through the transfer portal.

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What they’re saying

“Another reminder that roster building isn't just about who you bring in anymore. It's about who you can keep.”

— Brad Smith, Author

What’s next

The WVU coaching staff will now need to evaluate their options in the transfer portal to find experienced, ready-to-play talent to bolster the roster for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Barning's departure highlights the challenges modern college basketball programs face in retaining young, developmental players as the transfer portal makes it easier for them to seek playing time elsewhere. WVU must now shift its focus to the transfer market to build a competitive roster for the 2026-27 season.